The state Legislature moved forward today on a plan to drastically change Michigan’s Medicaid policy.
The Senate passed a bill that would add work requirements to Medicaid.
If a person is considered able-bodied and doesn’t fit an exception, they would be required to work or go to school for 29 hours a week.
Advocates say the bill encourages and helps people find work.
Democrats were opposed to the legislation, and before voting, some Democratic Senators offered amendments. Senator Curtis Hertel said lawmakers should also be required to work 29 hours a week to get healthcare.
“If it’s good for the goose, it’s good for the gander. Why tell working poor people that they have to live in a different standard than we in the lavish building do?”
The amendment did not pass. The bill is now headed for the state House.